How to: Apply fake lashes like a pro

There has never been a better time to embrace false lashes than now. Given their popularity in both Hollywood and Bollywood, false lashes have fast become a makeup must have and luckily, are readily available. A small strip of natural looking false lashes is all the added glamour you need, without any elaborate eye makeup. Celebrity makeup artist Clint Fernandes gives us a four step guide to turn those small barely there lashes into fun, flirty, attention grabbing wands.

Before you start application, gently place one end of the false lash strip between the index finger and thumb of each hand and give it a good wiggle to loosen the strip and make it less stiff. This helps the false lashes fit better along the contour of your eye.

It is also important to resize the length lash strip to fit your eye. Place the strip along the curve of your upper lash line. If the strip appears long, use a pair of manicure scissors to snip off the extra length from the outer half (the side with longer lashes) of the strip. Now onto application.

Step 1: “To start with see that the eye area as well as the lashes are totally clean, free from any oils or cream,” says Fernandes. Any residual oil from moisturizers keep the glue from effectively holding the strip in place. Use a blotting paper and gently go over your eye to soak up excess oil and sebum.

Step 2: “Apply the glue with the pointed part of an orange stick to the lashes.. Keep the glue in a thin line.” Allow the glue set for a minute.

Step 3: “Starting with the inner corner of the eyelid press the false lashes down in place with the flat side of the orange stick, moving to the outer corner of the eye lid. “

Step 4: “Let the glue set in place for at least 5 to 7 minutes. Now apply mascara coating both the false lashes and your natural lashes in gentle sweeping motions.” advices Fernandes.

Step 5: When its time to take them off, do not pull them off - you'll only damage your skin. Instead, saturate a cotton ball with makeup remover and hold it over the strip, along your lash line for a couple of minutes. This loosens the glue and helps the false lash strip come off easily.